Port Sudan, 3 April 2025 – Nearly two years of intense conflict have left Sudan facing a severe and growing explosive ordnance (EO) crisis, threatening civilians and impeding humanitarian efforts.
As the world marks the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on 4 April, under the theme “Safe Futures Start Here”, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, is calling for an urgent scale-up of mine action activities across the country.
“The widespread presence of unexploded ordnance is a silent killer in Sudan’s villages, towns and cities,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami said. “Every day that passes without action increases the risk to civilian lives.”
EO contamination is found in civilian spaces such as homes, backyards, schools, hospitals and streets. As civilians begin returning to areas such as Khartoum and Wad Madani, explosive hazards pose a major barrier to safe movement, access to essential services, and humanitarian aid delivery.
Tireless efforts to protect civilians
The mine action community has been working tirelessly to mitigate these risks, conducting life-saving awareness campaigns and resuming survey and clearance operations in high-risk areas like Omdurman. Despite challenging conditions, these efforts have been critical in safeguarding civilians and aid workers.
Mine action partners are ramping up awareness efforts across media platforms to promote safe behaviour among vulnerable populations. The international community, UN agencies, donors and individuals are urged to amplify these messages by sharing available resources, including an awareness video designed to educate at-risk communities.
With conflict ongoing and displacement and return movement increasing, the EO threat continues to rise. “I call on all parties to immediately halt the use of explosive weapons in urban areas and civilian infrastructure,” Ms. Nkweta-Salami said.
Additionally, urgent support is needed to intensify mine action efforts — not only to warn communities of dangers but also to remove these threats to ensure safe roads, homes, schools, hospitals and cities for Sudan’s people.
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For media inquiries, please contact: Mr. Mohammad Sediq Rashid, Chief of Mine Action Programme, UNMAS | Rashid5@un.org | +249 990 099 030
